Trust Specialist

Synovus•Sarasota, FL

About The Position

The Trust Specialist provides general support to specific Trust Advisors and their clients, including system coding and preparation of documents related to trust activities, account setup, and daily processing. The role also serves as a primary resource for client service needs and maintains consistent availability to clients. The specialist supports the efficient administration of trust accounts, coordinates client transactions and documentation, assists Relationship Managers with client work and business communications, and helps maintain department policies, procedures, systems, and reporting. The position serves as a subject matter expert for complex issues and supports junior team members. Duties may vary according to the needs of the department; the description is not a comprehensive inventory of every possible responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in trust operations, banking, or related roles.
Strong knowledge of trust documents, products, and services.
Strong knowledge of trust regulations, compliance, and industry best practices.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, including verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to work independently and prioritize daily tasks.
Excellent client service skills and tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients and team members.

Responsibilities

Build strong client relationships, anticipate client needs, respond to inquiries, research and resolve account issues, and provide useful information.
Work with clients, Relationship Managers, and internal business partners to develop recommendations and solutions.
Coordinate and monitor daily account activities and transactions, including account opening and closing, cash management, asset transfers, bill review and payment processing, cash disbursements, charitable gifting, private banking, and correspondence.
Identify risks and operational challenges, and take steps to mitigate risk and improve systems and processes.
For the Institutional Trust Team, prepare and manage client investment policy statements and investment documentation forms, obtain signatures, and maintain documentation.
For the Personal Trust Team, coordinate client tax, estate, and personal matters with CPAs, attorneys, insurance agents, and other service providers.
Provide administrative support to Relationship Managers; gather information for presentations; and assist with proposals, presentations, marketing materials, and other business communications.
Work with management to develop or modify policies, procedures, and processes related to department activity.
Develop and maintain complex department financial, statistical, and ad hoc reports; collect and organize data from multiple sources, including system extracts and downloads.
Work with Information Technology systems administration teams to maintain data accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality.
Maintain effective working relationships with system or third-party servicing business partners, facilitate resolution of system and service issues, and partner on system projects and user issues or service requests.
Create and maintain account documentation and files, follow prescribed filing systems and document-retention requirements, and restrict distribution according to authorized access and need to know.
Perform random file audits as needed, identify discrepancies, and work with management to determine appropriate follow-up.
Serve as a team subject matter expert, resolve escalated and complex issues, assist junior team members with problem resolution, and act on behalf of the supervisor as requested, including distributing and reviewing junior team members’ work.
Attend client meetings as requested and perform assigned special projects.
Observe applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and risk limits; promptly report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority.
Address clients’ business and personal financial needs and refer them to specialty areas such as Trust, Investments, Insurance, and Treasury Management as appropriate.
Assist other team members as needed to support distinctive service.
Perform other related duties as required.